By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone—In the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s devastating civil war, many young ex-combatants faced immense challenges reintegrating into society. Recognizing this pressing need, Seydu Jalloh, a globally acclaimed palm wine musician based in Spain, established the Diamond Child School of Arts and Culture in Oba Funkya, on the western edge of Freetown. Today, the institution stands as a pillar of hope, empowering young Sierra Leoneans with education, skills, and opportunities for a brighter future.
Seydu Jalloh, in reflecting on his efforts, described the initiative as a personal mission to give back to his community. “I was able to rehabilitate a few dozen of them here because we were just emerging from the war, and I saw this issue as extremely important,” Seydu said. He emphasized the transformative power of music, arts, and culture in helping young ex-combatants rebuild their lives and reconnect with society. “This tool is capable of empowering them so that they can forget about all that they did in those days and can manage to be part of their society again,” he added.
Initially focused on rehabilitation, the school has since evolved into a fully-fledged educational institution serving the Goderich community. It now provides free primary and secondary education to over 600 boys and girls through charitable support from Seydu and his fellow musicians.
Seydu explained the school’s holistic approach: “We follow the standard syllabus, just like every other educational institution in Sierra Leone. Our students take public exams such as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the National Primary School Examination (NPSE). However, what sets the school apart is its deep integration of Sierra Leonean arts and culture into the curriculum. Our students learn mathematics, physics, and other core subjects, but at the same time, they develop skills in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.”
In addition to academics, the school fosters talents in music and tourism. “One of the most important aspects of Diamond Child School of Arts and Culture is that we create musicians and local tour guides who help promote the rich history of Sierra Leone,” Seydu noted with pride.
The impact of the school is evident in the stories of its students. Abdul Kamara, a 15-year-old student, shared his gratitude: “Before coming to this school, I had no hope of getting an education. My parents could not afford school fees, but here, I am learning for free. I have also discovered my talent in playing the drums, and I now dream of becoming a professional musician.” Similarly, 14-year-old Mariama Conteh expressed her joy: “At Diamond Child, I am learning both academics and music. I love singing, and this school has given me the confidence to perform in front of people. I want to become a teacher and a musician one day, so I can help other children like me.”
The Diamond Child School of Arts and Culture exemplifies the power of education and the arts in transforming lives. By embracing Sierra Leonean heritage and leveraging it as a tool for empowerment, the institution continues to provide second chances to those in need, fostering a new generation of empowered and talented youth ready to contribute to their nation’s future